Challenges to the network: Telecoms and the internet

Abstract Readers are likely to be interested in “Challenges to the Network”, published recently (September, 1997) by the ITU. As you know, the International Telecommunications Union is a United Nations agency specialized in telecommunications and successor to the C.C.I.T.T. We know it best as the publisher of telecommunications standards. The book is based on the notion, that although the Internet of today rides on top of the telephone network, it is conceivable that this relationship will reverse in the future. This would have a strong impact on common carriers. The book is a compendium of commentary and useful information including a wealth of statistical data. An executive summary of the report's contents can be found on the World Wide Web; the URL is http://www.itu. int/indicators.